Feeding Missoula: Food Insecurity in Rural Children and Youth

Author

• Chani Brammer, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow
• Braelee Cheeks, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow
• Jordin Holland, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow
• Rayne McCollough, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow
• Laurel Palmer, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow
• Therese Solomon, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow

Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Professional Paper

Faculty Mentor Department

School of Social Work

Faculty Mentor

Jessica Liddell

Keywords

Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, rural, food insecurity, Montana, SNAP, children

Subject Categories

Community Health | Maternal and Child Health | Population Health | Public Health Education and Promotion | Rural Health | Social Policy | Social Welfare

Abstract

In Montana, approximately one in seven children live in a food-insecure household, with rural Montanans in particular facing significant barriers. Existing needs-based food assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, have structural weaknesses: SNAP benefits are often not sufficient to last through the month, and those eligible for these programs face a confusing application process, shame and stigma, and logistical hurdles, such as limited transportation.

“Feeding Missoula” began with an evaluation of how current food assistance programs met or failed to meet the needs of rural youth. Our methodology integrated a comprehensive review of existing literature and structured interviews with key local stakeholders. Our analysis was guided by a five-pillar theoretical framework: availability, access/affordability, utilization/quality, promotion, and sustainability. We emphasized promotion and sustainability to encourage long-term resilience and food literacy. Our findings indicated that household-level data often mask the fact that individual youth are experiencing hunger, even in families officially counted as food-secure. We implemented community-based solutions in partnership with Missoula Food Bank & Community Center (MFB&CC) to create a social media profile, an interactive community food resource map, and to distribute educational pamphlets containing “easy-peasy” recipes and age-appropriate activities in weekend meal bags (EmPower Packs). To further enhance our local impact and engagement, we organized a food and supply drive that ran throughout March in 2026, focusing on niche items MFB&CC indicated they needed, such as diapers, formula, and baby food. Our project generated actionable recommendations to reduce stigma and improve programs, ensuring that rural youth receive the foundational support necessary for positive long-term life outcomes.

GLI Capstone Project

yes

Recommended Citation

Brammer, Chani; Cheeks, Braelee; Holland, Jordin; McCollough, Rayne; Palmer, Laurel; and Solomon, Therese, "Feeding Missoula: Food Insecurity in Rural Children and Youth" (2026). Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts. 589.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/utpp/589